Latest news with #StefanoSimontacchi
FACT
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation unveils new exhibitions by The Prism
Presented by Stefano Simontacchi, these displays will take you on an out-of-this-world journey. Abu Dhabi's thriving art scene has established the capital as a serious cultural hotspot. Art lovers have plenty of options to explore, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the upcoming teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and now there is one more thing to get excited about. The newly launched Bassam Freiha Art Foundation brings two new exhibitions to Abu Dhabi by renowned Italian artist Stefano Simontacchi. Open until 31 August at Saadiyat Island, Stefano Simontacchi, better known by his artistic name, The Prism is bringing two new works to the capital. Curated by Marco Senaldi, these exhibitions, titled Project Oneness and the other, Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey, will transform light, space, and perception into an immersive journey. Project Oneness will be showcased in three interconnected rooms. The first will shed a spotlight on ideas of duality, perception and humanity's deep connection with the cosmos. You'll then be guided through a space with colour, light and movement and by the time you reach the final room – where elements like water, earth, air, and fire take centre stage – you'll feel that sense of oneness that the artist wants to convey. Next door, you'll find the second part of the journey – the Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey exhibition. Here, the artist explores how embracing these powerful tools – trust, gratitude, and love – can help people align themselves with the energy of the universe. The exhibition uses modern materials and age-old symbols, inviting you to reflect and contemplate your place in the grand scheme of things. For those unversed with Stefano Simontacchi, he is a renowned artist who has built a reputation for creating reflective, light-filled installations that blend art, mindfulness and self-reflection. 'I am immensely excited to bring my works to the beautiful Bassam Freiha Art Foundation,' he said, speaking of his new displays in the capital. 'Based on circular emblems and innovative use of light and space, I want the exhibitions to bring the community of Abu Dhabi closer to art, and help every individual find inner peace.' If you haven't checked it out yet, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation was founded by His Excellency Bassam Freiha. It's a non-profit cultural hub that aims to foster artistic exchange between communities, showcasing work from both established and emerging talents while offering a range of educational programs. Entry to the venue is absolutely free. GO: Visit for more information.
Al Etihad
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation launches exhibitions by Italian artist Stefano Simontacchi (The Prism)
18 Mar 2025 15:41 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) on Saadiyat Island, will host two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the Italian artist more commonly known as 'The Prism.'Curated by PhD philosopher and contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey will showcase The Prism's perspective and extensive creative depth. The exhibitions will transform light and space to create memorable and immersive experiences. Featuring dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces that allow viewers to incorporate their own image into the pieces, the two exhibitions will also be accompanied by a series of engaging public on wellbeing, self-reflection and mindfulness, community members will have the chance to take part in sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive and Director of Exhibitions at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Michaela Watrelot PhD, said, 'Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey are dedicated to the work of The Prism, also known as Stefano Simontacchi, an artist who has a unique talent for utilising light and space in new and interesting ways. Whether through the use of illuminated panels or polished metallic surfaces, he uses light to transform his work into dynamic, interactive experiences, and we are excited to see how his pieces will challenge perceptions, initiate conversations, and bring the community together here at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island. Visitors will also have the chance to engage further with the exhibitions through various experiences that are focused on wellbeing, self-reflection and mindfulness, and we hope The Prism will further reinforce the connection between art and the people of Abu Dhabi, enhance awareness, and connect with family members of all ages.'Stefano Simontacchi, aka The Prism, said, 'Following the success of our appearance at Abu Dhabi Art Fair and The Prism's exhibitions in Italy and New York, I am immensely excited to bring my works to the beautiful Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Designed to help viewers reconnect with their inner universe, discover a new appreciation for life, and feel inspired to discover their true purpose, all my pieces are drawn from deep contemplation and artistic reflection. Based on circular emblems and innovative use of light and space, I want the exhibitions to bring the community of Abu Dhabi closer to art, and help every individual find inner peace.'The first part of The Prism at BFAF explores the notions of perception and interconnectedness through an immersive, multi-room experience that challenges the typical notions of form, light and symbolic across three interconnected rooms, the first part of Project Oneness focuses on the concept of duality and emphasises mankind's connection with the second part then presents a space where colour, form and movement unfold without imposed separations, while the third features four works that each represent the essential elements – water, earth, air and fire. By the end of the exhibition, each viewer is left with a new sense and understanding of their Oneness with the Prism's second path symbolises the inner dynamism of Oneness. Located in the Annex Gallery, Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey explores why embracing the tools of Trust, Gratitude and Love allows individuals to connect with the energy of the universe. By integrating contemporary materials with timeless symbols, the exhibition provides a space for reflection, and it challenges the viewer to consider their place within a broader continuum of light, form, and meaning. The Prism will run at BFAF between 13 March – 31 August 2025. For more information, please visit the website:
The National
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Symbolic exploitation of the Barbary lion and music against injustice
This week's mix of art shows in the UAE peppers introspection with broader historical scrutiny. From an exhibition that shows how the mighty Barbary lion was hunted into extinction and then exploited as a symbol of power by colonial powers to one that invites the viewer to reflect upon themselves in illuminated and polished surfaces, here are three things to look out for this weekend. Stefano Simontacchi describes his work as a means to 'help viewers reconnect with their inner universe'. The Italian artist, who is better known as The Prism, is known for his circular works, which blend reflective surfaces with dynamic colours. Illuminated panels and polished surfaces incorporate the surroundings, as well as the viewer, within the works. Simontacchi is presenting two exhibitions at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Project Oneness as well as Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey. The exhibitions are curated by contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi. The foundation is also hosting a Ramadan-themed event this weekend. Moonlight Market is taking place on Friday and Saturday. It features pop-up stalls from local creatives as well as complimentary workshops and live performances. Daily, 10am-10pm; until August 31; Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Abu Dhabi Rhythm of Peace is a performance that comes as part of Alserkal Avenue's Ramadan programme Interrupting Patterns. Kuwaiti composer, guitarist and singer Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi will be presenting a series of original compositions alongside Turkish percussionist Berke Can Ozcan, Dutch keyboardist Jesse Boere and UK bassist Steven Bedford. Between their disparate backgrounds, the musicians blend various influences in the compositions, which aim to provide a soundscape of introspection. The songs also reflect upon the collective responsibility to act against social injustice. Saturday, 9pm; The Yard at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai In her debut solo exhibition, Libyan-born artist Alla Abdunabi takes cues from the simulacra, a philosophical concept that addresses how symbols and representations shape our perception of reality. The works within the exhibition explore how iconography has been preserved and restored across different moments in history. The resurgence of these iconographies, rather than mere restoration, often gain new meaning as they enter contemporary contexts, at times embodying active power structures. The Barbary lion has a pivotal role in the exhibition. The animal was hunted to extinction by colonial powers, and yet despite its physical disappearance, it has absurdly become a symbol of imperial strength. Abdunabi highlights this transformation in the exhibition, showing how colonial violence goes beyond physical subjugation. As the exhibition details: 'The lion's body is both dead and immortal – its real, physical form eradicated, but its image preserved and exploited to assert power.' Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-8pm; until May 4; 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi
